This month's Stronger Together content is focused on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Disabilities and Neurodiversity!
Today we're talking about Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD!
Definition and Characteristics
ASD is a neuro-developmental disability marked by social, communication and behavioral challenges. Although not comprehensive, ASD characteristics include:
Repetitive behaviors (stimming)
Observant
Sensory sensitivities including textures, noises, foods, etc.
Detail-oriented
Above-average memory and recall skills
Difficulty interpreting social norms
Creative and thoughtful
Visual thinkers
Passionate about special interests
Stats, Demographics & Disparities
Worldwide prevalence of ASD is 1 in 160 children!
In the US, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with ASD
Diagnosis occurs typically after age 4, but white boys are more likely to be diagnosed in childhood.
Autistic black children in the U.S. are commonly misdiagnosed with ODD - Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
Autistic people are part of the LGBTQ+ community at higher rates than allistic (neurotypical) people.
Only 41% of autistic students finish their undergraduate degrees in the U.S!
Care & Support for ASD
Speech and occupational therapy
Social support
Prescription medication
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments (CAM) such as mind-body treatment
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and techniques
Other Resources
General
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Autism Network International (ANI)
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
Apps
HabitRPG (manage tasks)
Todoist (organize work and life)
MoodPanda (track and analyse your mood)
Dropophone (calm music)